Johnnie Ray “Butch” Dear

Johnnie Ray “Butch” Dear, 74, of Monticello, passed away Nov. 25, 2020, of cardiac arrest. To accommodate out of town family, a celebration of life will be held at a later date at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello.
Mr. Dear was a Navy Vietnam Vet, band director, church worship leader, and college instructor. He was an alumnus of Hazlehurst High School, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Delta State University, and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Ray and Kathrine Dear, of Hazlehurst; infant daughter, Janice DeLynn Dear; and brother, Edwin Dear.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janice Fortenberry Dear; his daughter, Kristi Green, of Liberty Lake, Wash.; and three grandchildren.
Memorials may be made in his memory to Bethel Baptist Church, 73 Bethel Rd., Monticello, MS, 39654.